Small Business Mentors

Mentoring research shows that:

• 82% of businesses that received mentoring survived their first two years in business, while only 69% of businesses that did not receive mentoring survive their first two years in business.
• The businesses that received mentoring also increased their revenue by an average of 106% while the businesses that did not receive mentoring averaged a 14% increase in revenue.

Why not give yourself the help you need, get advice from experienced business mentors.

Whether you have concrete questions about your specific situation, are looking for advice, or just need to chat with someone who understands entrepreneurship and everything that comes with it, a mentor can help! When you join our training program you can schedule one-on-one time with a business mentor who has had a very successful business career and is willing to give you some pointers.

Here’s an interesting video that discusses mentoring…watch this short video

Let us become a part of your team, we want to help.

Meet our Mentors

We have a great group of experienced and successful business mentors that are interested in helping your small business thrive. Designed to meet the time constraints of busy entrepreneurs, you can make arrangements that are beneficial and easy for both of you to work with.

Carolyn Skimson - the former CEO of Groves Hospital, Carolyn has incredible skills in organization, planning and sound business practices. She enjoys helping small businesses with their strategic planning and organization.

Brian Cowan – Brian is a seasoned business executive with domestic and international experience in the areas of information technology, sales, marketing, acquisitions and joint ventures. He has proven success in developing and executing plans in both established and start-up businesses. He has established excellent relationships with decision makers in government, professional bodies and financial institutions.

Max MacIntyre - Max has over 42 years of banking experience having worked in Canada, USA, Europe and Australia with clients ranging from small business to corporate entities. He keeps active in the business world as a director of a Bank and involvement with various charities. He enjoys working alongside business people to help them with structuring, planning and management.

Hopeton D’Aguilar - Hopeton’s passion is to see businesses and individuals grow and prosper. He has held many executive positions with larger companies as well as owning and operating two of his own local businesses: a metal processing and distribution company as well as a business consulting group focused on startup, takeover, continuous improvement and turn around. His background includes business development, financial management, and accounting.

Gisela Ruehe - Gisela joined Neil in his endeavour in 1984 when she immigrated to Canada. Since then she has been working side by side with Neil in all aspects of the studio’s projects. Her current creative indulgence includes flame worked glass. Blending artistic abilities with a sound business sense has been the foundation of their successful studio.

Ross Shantz – Ross has an extensive background in farming. He assisted his family farming operation to grow into a turkey research and breeding company which eventually encompassed 14 farms, two hatcheries and had affiliate operations in the USA, Brazil, Hungary and Ireland. Ross then went on to co-found the Mercedes Corp. which was involved with the development of Farmers markets, Outlet malls, and long-term health care facilities. He is well versed in business development and strategic planning.

Julien R. Den Tandt PAg. - Julien held a number of senior management positions in firms that marketed products around the world. He specialized in helping firms identify key areas that required change. Once shortcomings were identified, action plans were then designed and implemented. Julien enjoys sharing his management knowledge and experience with organizations that enjoy the challenge of change management.

John VandeKamer - John has had a great career in advertising and marketing. He has excellent experience in magazine publishing and radio. He left his corporate President and CEO roles to settle into the life of a farmer and has enjoyed applying his vast business training to farming. John enjoys working with business owners to assist them with their advertising and marketing as well as business development and operations.

Wendy Clayson CMA,CPA - Wendy has many years of experience in manufacturing accounting, internal controls and policies in healthcare and in labour relations and contract negotiations. She is very detail oriented and can assist your business with developing internal controls and continuous improvement systems.

Contact our Business Coach to find out more about our mentors.